Christmas Cookie baking season is coming to a close, with Christmas just days away! My final offering is a seasonal favorite.

Gingerbread, (comprised of the spice ginger and the sweetener molasses) is a popular flavor combination at this time of year. I have always been obsessed with the ginger half of that equation. Ginger ale is my go-to soda and gingersnap cookies (which used to only be available in the Fall) are favorites. As an adult, I learned about ginger beer and ginger liqueur. I still love ginger-flavored foods. Ginger ale, crystalized ginger, ginger liqueur, and ginger beer are all staples in our home.

Crystalized ginger is an essential ingredient in many baked goods I make, especially at this time of year. It adds more depth and flavor to food than ground ginger ever could. These bars are a perfect example of that depth and flavor. They are chewy and gingery, with a touch of molasses flavor, as well. They are delightful!

Gingerbread Bars (adapted from paradisefruitco.com)  Total Time Required: 1 hour, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Makes: 28 bars

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces crystalized ginger, coarsely chopped
• 1 – 2 tablespoons decorator sugar or granulated sugar

Directions:

Finely chop the ginger before starting.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the large bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the sugar and butter.

Add in the egg and molasses and mix well.

Add in the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Beat at low speed until well mixed.

Fold in the ginger until well combined.

Press the dough into an ungreased 15x10x1-inch (medium) baking pan.

Sprinkle with decorator sugar.

Bake for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Cool for 3 minutes in the pan, then cut into bars.

Allow the bars to cool for another 10 minutes in the pan before removing the bars from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve & Enjoy!

Christmas is almost here!  ~Linda

Gingerbread Bars (adapted from paradisefruitco.com)  Total Time Required: 1 hour, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Makes: 28 bars

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces crystalized ginger, coarsely chopped
• 1 – 2 tablespoons decorator sugar or granulated sugar

Directions:

Finely chop the ginger before starting. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the sugar and butter. Add in the egg and molasses and mix well. Add in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Beat at low speed until well mixed.

Press the dough into an ungreased 15x10x1-inch (medium) baking pan. Sprinkle with decorator sugar. Bake for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Cool for 3 minutes in the pan, then cut into bars. Allow the bars to cool for another 10 minutes in the pan before removing the bars from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.